As first responders increasingly rely on computer and communication systems that support all aspects of emergency management, cyber threats to first responders have become a persistent concern.
Failure of these systems, whether accidental or because of malicious action, can have severe implications for emergency management. With such expanding use of internet-connected technologies, first responders are continuously targeted by malicious cyber actors through the deployment of ransomware and proliferation of phishing emails, social engineering and doxing campaigns, launch of denial of service attacks and other techniques and tactics. The best practice to mitigate these types of attacks is investing in a cybersecurity risk posture that enhances physical, technical and administrative controls (commonly referred to as defense in depth). Further, cyber threat awareness and education programs are becoming a critical step in safeguarding public safety.
